If you grew up watching Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz, the name Sandrock Custom probably hits differently. Quatre Raberba Winner’s trusty desert fighter — twin Heat Shotels glowing red-hot, that iconic beam-resistant cloak draped over its shoulders — is finally getting the modern High Grade treatment it deserves. The HG 1/144 Gundam Sandrock Custom EW is slated for a June 2026 release, and for Malaysian Gunpla fans, this is genuinely one of the most exciting kits of the year. Let’s break down everything you need to know before you pre-order.
What Is the HG Gundam Sandrock Custom EW?
The XXXG-01SR2 Gundam Sandrock Custom is the upgraded version of Quatre’s mobile suit as seen in the Endless Waltz OVA. Compared to the original TV-series Sandrock, the Custom version got a significant overhaul courtesy of mecha designer Hajime Katoki — sharper proportions, an iconic flowing cloak, and those signature Heat Shotels that have become one of Gundam Wing’s most recognisable weapon designs.
The new HG kit is part of Bandai’s wave of Endless Waltz 30th anniversary Gunpla releases, bringing the five main Wing Gundams up to modern engineering standards under the “W-series” inner frame format. This isn’t just a simple reissue — it’s an entirely rethought kit designed to take advantage of the latest Gunpla building technology.
Key Features That Make This HG Kit Special
Here’s what sets the 2026 HG Sandrock Custom EW apart from older kits in this scale:
- New W-Series Inner Frame: Bandai developed a brand-new inner frame architecture specifically for the Endless Waltz Wing Gundams. It stays faithful to Katoki’s on-screen designs while delivering the kind of articulation you’d expect from a modern HG — clean, sturdy joints with a wide range of motion for dynamic poses.
- Soft-Material Beam-Resistant Cloak: This is one of the standout engineering choices in the whole kit. The cloak is moulded from a newly developed soft material, which means it can actually drape naturally over the figure’s shoulders and doesn’t restrict posing at all. You can swing those arms wide for a Heat Shotel attack pose and the cloak will follow naturally. That’s a huge improvement over older kits where hard plastic cloaks locked you into stiff, statue-like positions.
- Heat Shotels with Clear Effect Parts: The twin Heat Shotels — Sandrock Custom’s signature crescent-shaped blades — come with interchangeable clear red parts to replicate the blades in their “red-hot” heated state. This is exactly the kind of detail that turns an average shelf piece into a proper display kit.
- Wide Shoulder Articulation: The shoulder joints are specifically engineered to swing out wide, making it easy to get that characteristic two-handed overhead Heat Shotel strike pose that Quatre pulls off so well in the OVA.
Completing the Endless Waltz HG Lineup
One of the things that makes the Sandrock Custom EW such a milestone is what it means for the overall Endless Waltz HG collection. Bandai has been methodically releasing modern HG versions of the five iconic Wing Gundams, and the lineup is finally coming together:
- Wing Gundam Zero Custom (Wing Zero EW) — already available
- Gundam Deathscythe Hell Custom (EW) — already available
- Gundam Heavyarms Custom (EW) — already available
- Altron Gundam Custom (EW) — available in the W-series lineup
- Gundam Sandrock Custom (EW) — June 2026 release
If you’ve been building your Endless Waltz team on a shelf, the Sandrock Custom is essentially the final piece of the puzzle. Displaying all five together with their modern articulation and consistent W-series proportions is going to look absolutely brilliant. For the completionist Gunpla builder, this is non-negotiable.
How Does It Compare to the Old HGAC Sandrock?
Many of us who’ve been in the hobby for a while might still have the old HGAC Sandrock Custom from the late 1990s buried somewhere in a box. And while that kit has a certain nostalgic charm, the gap in engineering between then and now is enormous.
The old HGAC kit was a product of its time — limited articulation, simplified colour separation that required painting to look screen-accurate, and very little poseability in the shoulder region. The cloak was moulded in rigid plastic that made dynamic poses nearly impossible.
The 2026 HG version fixes all of that. Better colour separation right out of the box (though panel lining and a top coat will still go a long way), vastly improved joints, and that all-important soft cloak that actually lets you pose the kit the way Quatre would in the OVA. If you’ve ever wanted a shelf-ready Sandrock Custom that looks great with minimal effort, this new HG is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
Pricing and Availability in Malaysia
The Japanese reference price for the HG Sandrock Custom EW is 4,180 JPY (tax included), which puts it in the comfortable mid-tier HG range — not too expensive, and well worth it for what you’re getting.
For Malaysian buyers, you can expect the kit to land locally sometime after the June 2026 Japan release date, typically a few weeks to a month later depending on stock availability and shipping. Malaysian hobby shops usually price HG kits in this range between RM 95 to RM 130, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.
Our advice? Pre-order early. Given how popular the Endless Waltz Wing Gundams are with both nostalgia-driven collectors and newer fans who discovered the series on streaming platforms, stock is going to move fast. The Wing Gundam Zero Custom and Deathscythe Hell Custom both sold out quickly at local Malaysian shops when they landed, and the Sandrock will almost certainly follow suit.
Build Tips to Get the Most from Your Sandrock Custom EW
If you’re planning to build this kit and want it to look its absolute best, here are a few tips from a hobbyist’s perspective:
- Panel line before top coating: Use a black or grey enamel panel liner (like Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color) to bring out all the details on the body and shoulders. The cloak in particular will benefit from a careful pass with a grey liner to add depth.
- Apply a matte top coat: The Sandrock Custom’s desert-warrior aesthetic suits a matte finish perfectly. A couple of light coats of Mr. Super Clear Flat will knock down that plastic sheen and make it look genuinely intimidating on a shelf.
- Pose it with the Heat Shotels raised: The wide shoulder articulation and soft cloak are designed specifically to let you pull off that iconic overhead attack stance. This is the money pose for this kit — don’t settle for a neutral standing display.
- Use the clear effect parts: Swap in the red clear Heat Shotel parts for the most eye-catching display. They catch the light beautifully and really sell the “heated battle” look.
- Nub cleanup matters: Pay extra attention to nub removal on the cloak sections and the outer shoulder armour, as these are high-visibility areas. A sharp hobby knife and some light sanding will go a long way here.
Should Malaysian Gunpla Fans Pick This Up?
Absolutely — this is an easy recommendation. The HG 1/144 Gundam Sandrock Custom EW ticks every box for what you want from a modern HG release: faithful design, engineering improvements where they count, and value-for-money at its price point. Whether you’re a longtime Gundam Wing fan who grew up with the original series, a newer hobbyist who wants to add a classic to your shelf, or someone building the full Endless Waltz team display, the Sandrock Custom delivers.
It’s also a great entry point if you haven’t tried any of the W-series inner frame HG kits yet. The build experience is excellent — sturdy, satisfying, and beginner-friendly enough to be approachable while still rewarding for more experienced builders who want to add detail work on top.
Keep an eye on Gundam.my for pre-order listings and stock updates once the June 2026 release date approaches. We’ll have it available as soon as stock arrives in Malaysia!